What is special about observing the festival of Dasara in Prasanthi Nilayam? Bhagawan explains so that we may make the best use of this opportunity.

This Prasanthi Nilayam is the abode of nitya shanti (undisturbed peace) because it is based on deep discrimination and on unshakable renunciation of attachment to sense objects (vishaya vasana). To be here on this sacred day is indeed a great piece of good fortune. Thousands of seekers have assembled here, and those who have come into this auspicious company have to make the best use of the chance. Instead of celebrating this Dasara festival in feasting and catering to the frailties of the senses, I am happy you have determined to spend it in holy thoughts. Dasara honours the victory of the forces of righteousness (devas) over the forces of evil (asuras). They were able to win because Parashakti (the Supreme Divine Energy), the Power that has elaborated God into all this variety and all this beauty — came to give them succour and fight on their behalf. Holy company such as this helps to arouse the desire to know oneself, to know the true nature of the world around us, and to know how best we can discover and experience the unity of both, as expressed in the Mahavakya (Vedic dictum), Tat-Tvam-Asi, "That-thou-art."